Ham Bone And Bean Soup

10 oz 15-bean soup beans

- or other "ham" beans 1 1/2 c Ham scraps or fat; divided

1 Ham bone (optional)

1 Turkey carcass (optional)

1 Celery stalk; sliced

1/2 Carrot; sliced

1/2 Bay leaf; crumbled

2 1/2 qt Water (or more)

1 Onion; chopped

2 Garlic cloves; chopped

Salt Freshly ground pepper Tabasco (optional) Finely chopped fresh herbs - (optional) - COVER THE BEANS WITH WATER and soak overnight, or place in a pan, cover, and bring to the boil. Remove from heat and let sit 1 hour. Drain. Make a stock of 1 cup of the ham scraps or ham bone and optional turkey carcass, celery, carrot, bay leaf and water by bringing to the boil, reducing heat, and simmering a couple of hours. Degrease and strain. This may be done ahead and frozen. When ready to cook, add the beans, onion, and garlic to the stock, and bring to the boil, reduce heat, and simmer until done, about 45 minutes to an hour. Season to taste with salt and pepper and optional

hot sauce. Add freshly chopped herbs if desired. Remove from the heat. May be made 1 to 2 days ahead. Add the remainder of the ham 1/2 hour before serving. Bring back to the boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered.